You know blackcurrants are ready to pick when they turn a deep, glossy dark purple or black and feel slightly soft to the touch.   But there’s more to it than just color, and getting the timing right makes a huge difference in flavor.   If you’ve ever tasted a blackcurrant too early, you know … Read more

You know when cantaloupe is ripe to pick by checking for a few key signs that tell you the melon has reached its peak sweetness and is ready to come off the vine. If you’ve been wondering how do you know when cantaloupe is ripe to pick, the answer comes down to looking at the … Read more

You know avocados are ready to pick when they reach a certain size, their skin color deepens, and a small stem test confirms they’ve matured on the tree.   There’s a common myth that avocados ripen on the tree, but the truth is they actually only soften after they’ve been picked.   So knowing when … Read more

You know asparagus is ready to pick when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall and the tips are still tightly closed and compact.   That is the golden rule for harvesting this spring vegetable, and catching that window is easier than you think.   If you have been asking, how do you … Read more

You know artichokes are ready to pick when the buds are plump, firm, and have tightly closed scales, typically reaching a size of 3 to 5 inches in diameter depending on the variety.   But that’s just the short answer, because timing your harvest isn’t as simple as watching the calendar.   If you’ve been … Read more

You know almonds are ready to pick when the hulls begin to split open and reveal the familiar, pitted shell inside.   That’s the farmer’s classic sign, but there’s actually a whole science behind figuring out the exact right moment for harvesting.   If you’ve ever stood under a tree wondering if those green, fuzzy … Read more